Since their introduction to Charleston, S.C., in 1790 from Asia, crape myrtles have been cultivated as an ornamental in the United States . Its summerlong bloom season, heat and drought tolerance, and showy bark have endeared these trees to many generations of Southern gardeners.
In the summer, crape myrtles showcase vibrant colors of white, pink, red, lavender or purple with prolific blooms. Every autumn we watch its foliage turn from green to red, yellow, and orange, which sets the mood for the upcoming holiday season. In the winter, shades of brown on its smooth bark are exposed, and we enjoy its natural gnarled, curvy form in a dormant landscape.
Norfolk Botanical Garden’s first director, Frederick Heutte, set a goal to make Norfolk the crape myrtle capital of the world. He succeeded by planting more than 40,000 crape myrtles throughout the city. Today, they are the most common tree in Norfolk, making up more than half of all the trees planted along city streets.
Heutte’s legacy lives on through the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s crape myrtle collection of 450 plants, representing 82 varieties. The collection recently was accredited through the American Public Gardens Plant Collections Network as the only recognized collection of crape myrtles in the nation.
Be informed, treat with care
Understanding the proper general maintenance of these flowering trees is necessary for their long-term health. Pruning, if necessary, should typically be conducted in late winter to early spring, while plants are dormant and their branch structure is visible. Corrective pruning to remove damaged or dead branches should be done immediately when a problem is detected. Otherwise, prune to remove small twigs or branches in the center of the plant to create more space for sun and air movement. The goal is to improve the overall shape and structure.
Hard pruning known as topping, or what is commonly referred to as “crape murder,” is extremely discouraged. “Crape murdering” destroys the overall natural aesthetic of these trees. When topped they become more susceptible to pests or to nutrient stress, and this unnecessary pruning technique can cause them to become hazardous because the multiple branches that regrow are not as structurally sound as the single original branch. Moreover, it changes the intensity of maintenance from low to high, which certainly is not environmentally sustainable or cost-effective.
If the plant has overgrown its space, consider all other options before topping these beautiful trees. There are many cultivated varieties of crape myrtles that will grow to the mature height and spread that is desired to fit any location. In general, topping trees is not an appropriate pruning method for ornamental trees. Therefore, we should educate our neighbors, community and landscape professionals to practice proper pruning techniques.
Crape myrtles are a staple plant for the Southern landscape. The four-season interest of crape myrtles has sustained the city of Norfolk’s infatuation with this specimen tree. We should stay vigilant to keep this iconic Southern plant healthy and properly cared for so future generations can enjoy all of its beautiful ornamental features.
